Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum

Music fans should plan to spend several hours at the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum (191 Beale St., 901/205-2533, www.memphisrocknsoul.org [1], daily 10 a.m.–7 p.m., adults $10, children 5–17 $7), located right next to FedEx Forum off Beale Street [2]. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, this museum tells the story of Memphis [3] music from the Delta blues to Shaft.

Your visit starts with a short video documentary and then you can follow the exhibits with your personal audio guide, which includes recordings of dozens of Memphis-influenced artists from B. B. King to Elvis. Exhibits are dedicated to Memphis radio stations; the influence of the Victrola, Sam Phillips, and Sun Studio [4]; and, of course, all things Elvis, among others.

It takes several hours to study all the exhibits in detail and to listen to all (or even most) of the music, so plan accordingly.

There is a free shuttle that runs between the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, Graceland [5], and Sun Studio [4]. Look for the black van with the Sun label’s distinctive yellow sun on the side.